Q&A: Stanton Elementary School Principal Christie Gilluly

Six months into its state-approved turnaround plan, Norwich’s John B. Stanton Elementary school is winning accolades from district leaders for its unique approach toward narrowing the achievement gap. Principal Christie Gilluly has been at the helm of that work.

Six months into its state-approved turnaround plan, Norwich’s John B. Stanton Elementary school is winning accolades from district leaders for its unique approach toward narrowing the achievement gap. Principal Christie Gilluly has been at the helm of that work.

Q: What was your impression of the recent audit conducted by the state Department of Education, which found great progress being made at Stanton?

A: I was very impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness. I think it was a very fair and informative audit. We have a multifaceted plan that really is looking at many different areas. They were careful and looked at all of our documentation.

Q: How have you translated some elements of the school’s turnaround plan into actual results in the classroom?

A: Often, because we use data to inform us, we look at graphs or charts and think that’s the real business. But the real business is educating children and staffers. Because we now have an extended day, we can do an hour of science instruction in school every single day. The other extended hour that we’re using is for a writers’ workshop. About a week ago, a kindergartner came to my office, talking about how excited they were to become a writer.

Q: How have parents reacted to the extended hours you have in place?

A: Only a few have actually talked with me, and it’s very important to listen to their point of view. It’s longer for children, but for us, it’s very balanced. Lunch is usually right in the middle of the day. There’s been more difficulties for families, but on the other hand, it has solved many day care problems.

Q: What’s your reaction to news that state aid for second-year funding of Stanton’s turnaround plan may be reduced?

A: I’m actually not spending a lot of time worrying about it. From the audit, they read we are using the money wisely and working hard as a team to implement the plan as we said we were. That’s what we’re focusing on. We’re looking at making what we have now very worthwhile.

Q: Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said he’s looking to Stanton’s plan as a model for other struggling elementary schools in the state. Do you think you’ve been successful in its implementation?

A: The expectation was for us to have a robust plan in place. We’re expected to work hard and innovate in terms of what we’re doing, and I’ve seen in our district the next two schools that are alliance schools have plans similar to ours. What we’re able to do is pinpoint exactly what a child knows, and the teacher is going to get a full report for all of his or her students so we know where they have to go next. We often go first to try things out as a pilot before the rest of the district, and that’s the process for many things.